Glossary
Ring buoy
A floating ring, often on a rope, thrown to a person in trouble so they can hold on while you pull them in.
A ring buoy, also called a life ring, is a floating ring that you throw to a person in trouble in the water. Most come with a line attached, so the person can hold on while you pull them toward the edge and you stay safely on land, a dock or a boat. It is one of the main tools for the throw part of reach or throw, don't go.
Water Safety USA (opens in a new tab) says safe, simple rescue means reaching or throwing a flotation aid from the water's edge without going in. The U.S. Coast Guard (opens in a new tab) requires boats longer than 16 feet to carry a throwable device such as a ring or cushion, and says throwable devices must be immediately available. If no ring buoy is nearby, the Red Cross (opens in a new tab) suggests throwing anything that floats, such as a life jacket, cooler or inflatable ball.
Keep the ring in plain sight, with the line untangled, and practice a few throws on dry land. See how to throw a ring buoy or throw bag and pool rescue equipment.
What you can do today: check that your pool, dock or boat has a throwable float within easy reach.